Register your dog

If your dog is over the age of three months it must be registered.  

You can register your dog or transfer a dog registration from another council online, by mail or in person. You must be the person who is in charge of the dog, and be over the age of 16.

Desexing certificate or documentation

To qualify for the reduced De-sexed Pet fee (Class 3 & 17) you'll need to supply a desexing certificate or documentation from your vet. 

If your dog hasn't been desexed yet, you'll need to pay the full fee. Once your dog has been desexed and you've provided the information, you'll be able to pay the reduced fee for the following renewal year.

Microchipping your dog

The Dog Control Act requires all new dogs to be microchipped within two months of being registered with Council. Some exemptions apply for working dogs that are mainly used for driving or herding stock, find out more on our Dog Owners Information page.

Please let us know when your dog has been microchipped and provide a copy of your microchip certificate with your name and address (or owner and dog numbers if known) to dogs@horowhenua.govt.nz, or bring it into one of our Council Offices.

Stock (farm) dog discount

You might be entitled to a discount of $10 per dog if you own four or more stock dogs. If you already own three or more stock dogs, please contact Council on 06 366 0999 or email us at dogs@horowhenua.govt.nz to discuss your dog registration rather than using our online registration form.

Applying for Superannuitant Owner class or Selected Owner status

If you want to apply for Superannuitant Owner class you'll need to register your dog in person. You'll also need to bring in your Gold Card to confirm your superannuitant eligibility and a copy of your dog's desexing certificate or documentation.

If you want to become a Selected Owner you'll need to visit us in person to go through this process.  If you already have Selected Owner status and are wanting to register a new dog, you'll also need to visit us in person as our online form currently doesn't support this option. Applications for Selected Owner policy must be submitted with Council before 1 May to be eligible for the registration year beginning 1 July. Applications received after this date will be eligible for Selected Owner policy rates the following year.

Fees and charges

Dog registration fees are for a period of one year, starting on 1 July.  Your fee may depend on when you're registering within the financial year of 1 July through to 30 June and your dog's details.

Dog registration fees and fee classes can be viewed on our Animal Control Fees & Charges page.

Penalties for unregistered dogs

If someone is caught with an unregistered dog there's an instant infringement fee issued, plus a penalty fee to register the dog. The owner of the dog has 28 day to pay the infringement. A reminder notice is then sent and a further 28 days is given. If no payment is made, the infringement is then sent to the Courts for collection, and it becomes a fine. A lodgement fee is added to the fine and the whole amount is then due to be paid to the Courts.

Online

Step 1.Have your dog information ready

Depending on your situation, you'll need:

  • an electronic copy of your dog's desexing certificate or confirmation from your vet (if applicable)
  • an electronic copy of your dog's microchipping certificate or confirmation of your dog's microchip number from your vet (if applicable)
  • your dog's importation details (if registering a dog for the first time in New Zealand that has been imported from overseas)
  • an electronic photo of your dog for identification purposes (optional).

Step 2.Apply and pay online

You'll need your payment information (credit card, debit card, or internet banking details for POLi).  Please allow 5-10 minutes to complete the form, if you have everything ready.

Register online

Step 3.Check your mail for the dog tag 

Once we’ve confirmed your registration and received full payment of fees, we’ll send out your dog tag. Please allow up to 5 (five) days for the tag to arrive.

By Mail

Step 1.Have your dog information ready

Depending on your situation, you'll need:

  • a copy of your dog's desexing certificate or confirmation from your vet (if applicable)
  • a copy of your dog's microchipping certificate or confirmation of your dog's microchip number from your vet (if applicable)
  • your dog's importation details (if registering a dog for the first time in New Zealand that has been imported from overseas)
  • a photo of your dog for identification purposes (optional)

Step 2.Download and complete the application form

Application to Register Dog(PDF, 122KB)

Step 3.Pay the registration fee

Payment can be made by internet banking, using the following details:

Name: Horowhenua District Council
Bank: BNZ 
Branch: Levin
Account Number: 02-0668-0070607-02
Reference Details: Code 'NEWDOG', Particulars 'Your dog's name' and Reference 'Your name'. 

Step 4.Mail your renewal to Council

Once you've completed your payment you'll need to post your application form to us so we know what dog(s) you're paying for and we can match this with your payment.

Renewal forms can be posted to Horowhenua District Council, Private Bag 4002, Levin 5542.

In Person

Step 1.Have your dog information ready

Depending on your situation, you'll need:

  • a copy of your dog's desexing certificate or confirmation from your vet (if applicable)
  • a copy of your dog's microchipping certificate or confirmation of your dog's microchip number from your vet (if applicable)
  • your dog's importation details (if registering a dog for the first time in New Zealand that has been imported from overseas)
  • a photo of your dog for identification purposes (optional)

Step 2.Download and complete the application form

Application to Register Dog(PDF, 122KB)

Step 3.Visit your nearest Council Office

Pop into your nearest Council office:

  • Levin (Main Office), 126 Oxford Street, Levin, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and on Wednesdays 9.30am to 5pm (except public holidays).
  • Foxton Service Centre, 92 Main Street, Foxton, open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
  • Shannon Service Centre, Plimmer Terrace, Shannon, open 10am to 12 noon and 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

You'll be able to pay for your dog's registration fee by cash or EFTPOS.

FAQs

  • Dog registration fees aid the welfare of dogs and keeps our community safe from dog nuisance.
  • They help us to investigate dog complaints, such as reports of dog attacks and complaints about dogs barking and stray dogs
  • They help us maintain our dog database and provide dog safety education for children and workgroups.
  • Provide a dog pound and shelter services: impounding, animal care and reuniting dogs with their owners
  • Rehoming dogs through our connection with organisations such as SPCA, HUHA and Ellie’s Canine Rescue
  • Provide dog safety education for dog owners, schools and the public
  • Enforce compliance with dog owner responsibilities, issue infringements and patrol public spaces such as beaches and parks
  • With legal costs for serious dog related offences under the Dog Control Act.

You need to provide the renewal form which should have all current details listed (phone, email address dog details etc)

If you've misplaced your renewal form we may be able to provide a copy.

If you don’t have a dog renewal form because it's a new dog you'll need to complete a new registration form - this can be done online and at our Council offices.

Make sure to choose whether you’d like a strip or round tag.

Dog registration tags 2025 thumbnail image.

Yes, you can get a refund of the unexpired portion of the registration fee.

Where the fee for the registration of a dog is paid and that dog dies, a refund will be made on request as follows:

  • where a dog dies before the commencement of the year, the full fee will be refunded;
  • where the dog dies during the year, one-twelfth of the annual fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year after the date of application for a refund will be refunded. 

Yes, you can set up a payment arrangement. However, it must be paid in full by 31 July to avoid a 50% penalty fee.

To set up a payment arrangement you must come into the Levin office and complete a pre-payment application.

Dog registration fees vary depending on the dog's classification (e.g., neutered, entire, dangerous).

Horowhenua District Council's fees and charges for the 2024/2025 financial year, from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, are available below. These fees and charges were consulted on as part of the Long Term Plan 2024-2044 (LTP) and were adopted by Council on 12 June 2024.

All fees are stated as GST inclusive and are effective from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Council reserves the right to review any fees and charges at any time. Please check with Council for any updates.

Fees and Charges for 2025/2026

Fees and charges for the 2025/2026 financial year, from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, are also available below. These fees and charges were adopted by Council on 14 May  2025. They will be effective from 1 July 2025. 

Animal Control fees pay for:

  • running the Animal Services Department;
  • responding to complaints;
  • education programmes and material;
  • Pound facilities; and
  • legal costs.
Dog Registration 
2024/2025 Fees
From 1 July 2024
2025/2026 Fees
From 1 July 2025
Disability Assist Dog (Class 12) Free Free
Selected Owner Status (Class 15) $104.00 $107.00
NZKC Registered Status (Class 8) $104.00 $107.00
Racing Greyhound Registered Status (Class 6) $104.00 $107.00
De-sexed Pet (Class 3 & 17) $124.00 $127.50
Entire Pet (Class 11 & 14) $209.00 $214.50
Working Dog (Class 2) $92.00 $94.50
Stock (Farm) Dog Exempt Microchipping (Class 16) $92.00 $94.50
Multiple Stock (Farm) Dog - applicable to owners with four or more stock dogs registered (Class 18) $82.00 $84.00
Superannuitant Owner - applies to desexed dogs only (Class 1)  $104.00 $107.00
Dangerous Dog De-sexed (Class 5) $186.00 $191.00
Dangerous Dog Entire (Class 4) $313.50 $322.00
Late Fee Fee plus 50% if paid after 31 July 2024 Fee plus 50% if paid after 31 July 2025
Other Fees & Charges
 
2024/2025 Fees
from 1 July 2024
2025/2026 Fees
from 1 July 2025
Animal Control Officer Hourly Rate $180.00 $185.00
Registration Discs
Transfer from Another Local Authority Free Free
Replacement Disc $8.50 $8.70
Dog Lead $15.00 $15.50
Dog Collar (small) $15.00 $15.50
Dog Collar (Large) $15.00 $15.50

Dog Impounding

First Impound Fee, Per Dog $110.00 $113.00
Second impound fee, per dog $205.00 $210.50
Third and subsequent impound fee, per dog $310.00 $318.50
Daily Fee Cost, Per Dog $15.00 $15.50
Associated Costs (vet costs, supplementary feeding, whelping and the like) Cost + 20% Cost + 20%
Dog Surrender Fee $110.00 $113.00
Microchipping Fee (following impoundment) $50.00 $51.50

Stock Impounding (any four-legged, hoofed animal)

First Impound Fee $84.00 $86.50
Second Impound Fee $136.50 $140.00
Third and Subsequent Impound Fee $189.00 $194.00
Daily Fee Costs, Per Head $8.00 $8.20
Associated Costs (Transportation, hay and the Like) Cost + 20% Cost + 20%
Feline
Cage Deposit (50% Refundable) $50.00 $51.50
Other
NZKC / Greyhound Application - First Time Applicants $75.00 $77.00
Additional Dog Licence Application (one off application fee) $75.00 $77.00
Responsible Owner Application $75.00 $77.00
Dog Infringement Fees 
Fees are set by Legislation
2024/2025 Fees
from 1 July 2024
2025/2026 Fees
from 1 July 2025
Wilful obstruction of dog control officer or ranger $750.00 $750.00
Failure or refusal to supply information or wilfully providing false particulars $750.00 $750.00
Failure to supply information or wilfully providing false particulars about dog $750.00 $750.00
Failure to comply with any bylaw authorised by the section $300.00 $300.00
Failure to undertake dog owner education programme or dog obedience course (or both) $300.00 $300.00
Failure to comply with obligations of probationary owner $750.00 $750.00
Failure to comply with effects of disqualification $750.00 $750.00
Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as dangerous dog $300.00 $300.00
Fraudulent sale or transfer of dangerous dog $500.00 $500.00
Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as menacing dog $300.00 $300.00
Failure to advise person of muzzle and leashing requirements $100.00 $100.00
Failure to implant microchip transponder in dog $300.00 $300.00
False statement relating to dog registration $750.00 $750.00
Falsely notifying death of dog $750.00 $750.00
Failure to register dog $300.00 $300.00
Fraudulent procurement or attempt to procure replacement dog registration label or disc $500.00 $500.00
Failure to advise change of dog ownership $100.00 $100.00
Failure to advise change of address $100.00 $100.00
Removal, swapping, or counterfeiting of registration label disc $500.00 $500.00
Failure to keep dog controlled or confined $200.00 $200.00
Failure to keep dog under control $200.00 $200.00
Failure to provide proper care and attention, to supply proper and sufficient food, water, and shelter, and to provide adequate exercise $300.00 $300.00
Failure to carry leash in public $100.00 $100.00
Failure to advise of muzzle and leashing requirements $100.00 $100.00
Releasing dog from custody $750.00 $750.00